When is a plant-based meal so much more?
This picture is proof that when you consistently show up for your own health, and eat to heal, others will follow, even family and friends that at one time said no thanks. And, just maybe, you will be invited to share delicious plant-based meals that they themselves prepare (admittedly in the beginning with a little help from you) like this.
A very large pot of sloppy joes with brown lentils (brown rice cooking in the InstantPot) and a stir-fry of vegies on hand – broccoli, shitake and white mushrooms, red peppers, snap peas and onion in a Thai peanut sauce.
For anyone trying to inspire their families and friends to join them eating healthy plant-based meals but are finding only resistance, getting there is often not the result of 1 or even 10 conversations with family or friends. This is about showing up for yourself first, every day, leading by example, getting healthy, and letting the rest take care of itself.
It’s more often the result of all the hours ….
- When they said no thanks, none for me.
- When they made a joke about your food.
- When they said that is not what their favorite neighbor, hairdresser, gym trainer, news program, TikTok video or sadly even their doctor told them to eat.
- When they said your whole plant food made from food as grown with no added ingredients wasn’t ‘real’ food.
- When they ordered takeout instead of eating the food you lovingly prepared.
- When they stopped putting random condiments on everything you made.
- When they said it actually wasn’t so bad.
- When they started asking what was in it and asked for the recipe.
- When they asked what was an InstantPot or why was Black Salt pink.
- When they asked how to keep food from sticking without oil.
- When they called from a grocery store asking about an ingredient or food label to clarify best options.
- When they invited you over for a pot luck and asked what you were bringing with anticipation.
- When they invited you to a restaurant meal to see what you were having.
- When they texted you a picture of something delicious they made.
- When they shared news of their improved bloodwork or test results, abundant energy level, weight loss, reduced need for medication, and/or cancelled surgery.
- When they invited you over and made this.
- When you knew that they were going to be part of your life for a very long time.
This is dinner at my son’s house, more than a decade after I chose this lifestyle for my own health.
